A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study has identified an efficacious new ingredient for men’s health. Fucoidan, a bioactive compound found naturally in brown seaweeds, has been shown to relieve the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
BPH, or prostate enlargement, is a common health issue for men across the globe. Worldwide estimates place prevalence at 50-60% of men in their 60s and 90% in their 80s. While it is typically not life-threatening, BPH may lead to bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems. Common BPH symptoms include difficulty passing urine, a weak stream and an increase in the frequency of
urination. Symptoms often result in a significant reduction in quality of life.
The clinical trial evaluated the effects of high-purity Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan on men with moderate BPH. In the 90-day study, 88 men aged between 45 and 80 years received either a daily fucoidan supplement or a placebo. BPH symptoms were assessed at 30-day intervals. The trial utilised the validated International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) to assess changes in BPH symptoms, including bladder emptying, frequency, intermittency, urgency, weak stream, straining and nocturia (waking more than once at night to urinate). The IPSS also includes a quality-of-life assessment based on urinary symptoms. Participants taking the fucoidan supplement showed clinically significant improvements in overall BPH symptoms compared to participants taking the placebo. Men taking the fucoidan supplement experienced a more than nine-fold improvement in voiding symptoms (encompassing the symptoms of emptying, intermittency, weak stream and straining) and a two-fold improvement in storage
symptoms (encompassing the symptoms of frequency, urgency and nocturia) compared to those taking the placebo. Fucoidan supplementation also significantly improved quality-of-life due to urinary symptoms and was shown to be safe to take throughout the study period.
The trial utilised a high-purity Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan extract. The natural marine compound was produced by Australian biotechnology company Marinova using a proprietary aqueous extraction process.
Speaking of the study, lead author of the paper and Marinova’s Research Director, Dr Barbara Wimmer said, “This was an incredibly rigorous study delivering statistically and clinically significant results. These findings will certainly be of interest to nutraceutical brands targeting men’s health.”
‘Fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida improves benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms in men: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study’ was published in Research and Reports in Urology.
